How to Maximize Business Value from PMO Tools

It is important not to let the tail wag the dog with a PMO, which in this case would mean letting a tool dictate the shape and action of the PMO. But if your PMO is good to go and you are seeking a tool for the right reasons, then there is advice to follow. Elizabeth Harrin provides an overview of what to consider in a post for Project Management Tips.

Tools and Process

The first step is to select the right product for your PMO. To do this, look for the tool that seems most flexible to changes in the future, because the way projects are run is already changing. The tool you use must agree with the direction you want the PMO to go.

Next comes implementation. During your preparation to implement, consider these questions: Who will be using the tool? How will it be used? What processes will it support? Can you be sure it will keep up? The answers will define your approach to implementation.

Lastly, you must deploy the product. And a big part of deployment is ensuring people understand the product and why it is useful. That means you should dedicate energy toward PMO systems training, technical tool training, and process mentoring. PMO systems training refers to educating people about how the PMO runs. And Harrin elaborates on technical tool training with this:

Processes are one thing, but knowing how to use your software to the best advantage to make the most of those processes is something different. You will have to find time to train your team members on the features of the software that they need to know and use. For some, that could be as simple as helping them download the app to their smartphone and creating a user account. Others might need system administrator training so they can support the rest of the team.